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Phoenix Rising FC salvage point in home draw with Swope Park Rangers

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson attempts to take control of the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson attempts to take control of the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Kevon Lambert passes the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Fans cheer on the Rising on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Fans cheer on the Rising on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Fans cheer on the Rising on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Fans cheer on the Rising on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Orange County SC goalkeeper Casey Beyers blocks a shot on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson and Orange County SC defender Thomas Juel-Nielsen land a fall after fighting for the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson and Orange County SC defender Thomas Juel-Nielsen land a fall after fighting for the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Orange County SC goalkeeper Casey Beyers blocks a shot on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Orange County SC goalkeeper Casey Beyers blocks a shot on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson and Orange County SC defender Thomas Juel-Nielsen land a fall after fighting for the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson and Orange County SC defender Thomas Juel-Nielsen land a fall after fighting for the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Orange County SC goalkeeper Casey Beyers blocks a shot on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Orange County SC goalkeeper Casey Beyers blocks a shot on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Gladson Awako drives the ball up the field on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Gladson Awako drives the ball up the field on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising F.C's matchup against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz / The Republic

A ball girl holds her nose during the match between Phoenix Rising FC and Las Vegas Lights FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

A ball girl holds her nose during the match between Phoenix Rising FC and Las Vegas Lights FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's head coach Patrice Carteron walks back to the bench before the start of a game against Sacramento at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's head coach Patrice Carteron walks back to the bench before the start of a game against Sacramento at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's head coach Patrice Carteron looks at his other coaches before the start against Sacramento at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's head coach Patrice Carteron looks at his other coaches before the start against Sacramento at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

The Red Fury in the stands at the Phoenix Rising vs. Sacramento Republic game at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

The Red Fury in the stands at the Phoenix Rising vs. Sacramento Republic game at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba protests a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba protests a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba (11) shoots a rebound off his penalty but cannot score against Sacramento during the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba (11) shoots a rebound off his penalty but cannot score against Sacramento during the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Fans arrive in the sunset to watch Phoenix Rising play Sacramento at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba holds up a jersey celebrating his 500th game of his career before the start against Sacramento Republic at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba holds up a jersey celebrating his 500th game of his career before the start against Sacramento Republic at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba holds up a jersey celebrating his 500th game of his career before the start against Sacramento Republic at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba holds up a jersey celebrating his 500th game of his career before the start against Sacramento Republic at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising fans protest a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising fans protest a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising fans protest a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising fans protest a goal being taken away after a mad scramble and collision near the net against Sacramento in the first half at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on May 19, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Gladson Awadko (10) of Phoenix Rising FC reacts during the game against Oklahoma City Energy FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman, Billy Hardiman/for The Republic

Head coach Steve Cooke of Oklahoma City Energy FC during the game against Phoenix Rising FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Head coach Steve Cooke of Oklahoma City Energy FC during the game against Phoenix Rising FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Fans celebrate a goal by Phoenix Rising FC during their game against Oklahoma City Energy FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Fans celebrate a goal by Phoenix Rising FC during their game against Oklahoma City Energy FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Joy He, age 6, celebrates a goal by Phoenix Rising FC during their game against Oklahoma City Energy FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Joy He, age 6, celebrates a goal by Phoenix Rising FC during their game against Oklahoma City Energy FC at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba yells out to his teammates during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba yells out to his teammates during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's head coach Patrice Carteron watches the team play at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Amadou Dia (13) and Real Monarchs' Sebastian Velasquez (55) fight for a loose ball during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Gladson Awako is pulled down by Real Monarchs' Sebastian Velasquez (55) during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Gladson Awako is pulled down by Real Monarchs' Sebastian Velasquez (55) during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Phoenix Rising's Gladson Awako is pulled down by Real Monarchs' Sebastian Velasquez (55) during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising's Gladson Awako is pulled down by Real Monarchs' Sebastian Velasquez (55) during the first half against Real Monarchs at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Ariz. on April 7, 2018.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

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Photos: Phoenix Rising FC – 2018 season

Phoenix Rising FC forward Jason Johnson attempts to take control of the ball on June 29, 2018, during Phoenix Rising FC's 1-0 win against the Orange County Soccer Club at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona.

Phoenix Rising FC forward Billy Forbes scored his first goal of the season and assisted on the late equalizer to salvage a crucial home point against Swope Park Rangers.

Phoenix was unable to avenge their 2017 USL playoff loss to Swope Park as they tied 2-2 in front of a sell-out crowd at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex.

Phoenix forward Solomon Asante found the back of the net in stoppage time for his fourth goal of the season. Swope Park forward Kharlton Belmar's second-half brace puts him at seven goals on the season, which leads the USL.

Didier Drogba, Phoenix's star forward and part-owner, was left out of the 18-man roster and placed on the injury report with a lower-body injury. Drogba has made just two appearances, including a start against LA Galaxy II, in the six games this season.

CLOSE

Rising FC forward Billy Forbes talks about his stellar performance to salvage a tie at home.

Both Phoenix and Swope Park are in a three-way tie with Real Monarchs SLC for third place in the USL Western Conference. Phoenix has one point in their last two matches at home.

"Every time we're at home we're expected to win. I think it was a valiant effort just to get the tie back. I'm happy we did that," outside back Devante Dubose said. "That's the kind of attacking power we have. However, we always expect three points at home."

In the first half, Phoenix struggled to maintain possession and when they were on the ball it was stagnant, which resulted in turnovers in the defensive third or ambitious long balls to their strikers. Where Phoenix was dangerous was on set pieces which allowed forwards Forbes and Chris Cortez to find themselves on the end of balls into the box.

Swope Park, on the other hand, enjoyed an advantage of time in possession as they were able to advance into the final third easily. They completed 583 passes, which was more than two times more than Phoenix, with a 76.3 completion percentage in Phoenix's half for the game.

Phoenix was dominated in possession as Swope Park finished with 70.7 percent possession. This comes to no surprise for a team that averages 64 percent possession a game, 573.8 passes per game and complete them at an 84.4 percent success rate.

Swope Park was especially successful when outside backs Colton Storm and Parker Maher joined the attack. The numerical advantage in the wide areas of the pitch allowed for the Swope Park strikers to interchange positions fluidly and create problems Phoenix's back four.

"That's what we prepared for tactically. Something that definitely didn't surprise us. Something that we practiced all week and we prepared for that," Dubose said.

Despite struggling to produce goal-scoring opportunities in the run of play, Forbes found himself on the end of Solomon Asante's low cross and buried it first-time in the bottom of left corner in the 66th minute of play. Risingforward Jason Johnson, who was just subbed into the game before the Forbes goal, took on his defender, created the space for Solomon and slipped the pass into his path allowing Solomon the time to pick out out Forbes.

Just four minutes later, Swope Park equalized surprisingly from a corner. A perfectly whipped in corner to the far post found the head of Kharlton, who calmly finished his 6th goal of the season. Midfielder Felipe Hernandez was credited with the assist.

Belmar stuck once again in the 88th minute with a beautiful solo run. Belmar started his run just inside the Rising alf, beat two players, found himself all alone with Woszczynski, and slotted it into the bottom corner for his 7th USL-leading goal of the season.

However, Rising didn't go quietly as Asante buried the clever layoff from Forbes into the bottom left corner past the outstretched hand of Swope Park goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas to tie the game.

Billy Bails out Rising FC

Forward Billy Forbes was Rising FC's most dangerous player as he was able to hold up play and allow his team to advance forward from their defensive shape after being pinned back from Swope Park Rangers' long spells of possession.

Forbes also contributed a goal and an assist to help save a point at home against one of the best possession teams in the league.

"Billy did very well. I think he could have scored one or two more goals but we loved what was on the field tonight," Rising FC head coach Patrice Carteron said. "He worked hard on the field tonight... and it was a great performance tonight."

Up next

Phoenix Rising FC will continue their three-game home stand as they host Fresno Football Club April 28, 7 p.m. at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The Swope Park Rangers will return home to host St. Louis FC on the same night.

Outlook: The Rising’s season ended last year with a loss to Swope Park, 4-2 in penalties in October in the first round of the United Soccer League playoffs. ... Swope Park will be playing on the road for the fourth time in its first six matches so far this season. ... Didier Drogba scored the lone goal in last week's 1-0 Rising victory at L.A. Galaxy II. It came in the 64th minute and it was Drogba's first goal of 2018. ... In the match, goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski earned his second shutout of the season. ... Saturday will be Military Appreciation Night presented by APS, with the first 2,500 fans receiving a Phoenix Rising camo drawstring bag. ... Gates to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex open at 6 p.m. ... Fans can purchase tickets at PHXRisingFC.com.